Thursday, 12 May 2016

How to be Smart when staging your Listing for Photos

Most agents know how important it is to have a well-staged home
to help sell a listing quickly. However, you might be surprised how many agents
miss some important details when it comes to preparing a listing for
photography. Whether you are taking photos on your own, or have hired a photographer to come in and take them for you, it is important that you are
smart when it comes to staging the home for photography. Here are some common
things to double check before you start snapping photos.

Curb Appeal

These lovely red chairs add a punch of color.

You or the home owner might have arranged for some quick and
easy landscaping, but it is easy to miss a few details that
might show up in the photos including:

Hoses and other tools such as shovels, wheelbarrows, etc. peeking
out from behind a bush or left unnoticed on the lawn

Debris that might have blown across the lawn or even lodged
itself near the entry way of the home due to a windy night

Pristine front door lacking a smack of color such as a
pretty urn or welcoming door mat

Views and Windows

It is easy to miss some things that can take away from the
benefit of windows such as curtains that are too short, blinds and window
coverings that are wonky and crooked, too many closed drapes and blinds
blocking natural light, etc. Even if the windows are perfect, it can get a
little messy if the curtains are open to a view that might not be so appealing.
Some things to look for:

Unsightly vehicles parked in driveway or outside on the
street

Patches of overgrown or dried out lawn or garden areas

Mess from renovations

Trash cans

You get the picture.

Smooth and Primp

Make sure you do a once over in every room to smooth and
primp things such as bed spreads, pillows, area rugs, drapes, towels, shower
curtains, etc. Having everything looking neat and finished helps to complete
the look of each room.

Overlooked Rooms and Spaces

There are rooms and features that are sometimes overlooked
during the staging process such as:

Laundry Room

Walk in Pantry

Walk in Closet

Garage

These areas should be neatened in order to show off space
and make everything look well maintained.

Backyard

The backyard is a very important aspect of the home, yet it
is also an area that can easily have some details missed that could ruin your
pictures. Much like the front of the home, look for issues such as:

This pristine pool area demonstrates how attention to detail pays off.

Hoses and other tools such as shovels, wheelbarrows, etc.

Debris

Trash cans

Pool maintenance tools such as nets

Things floating in the pool

Messy pool covers

Dog toys or mess

Messy barbecue without cover

Outdoor furniture with cushions askew or missing

General Tips

There are a few more things you can do to make sure your
photos are as impressive impossible including:

Remove all trash cans from each room during the shoot

Add new light bulbs to lamps and light fixtures and make
sure light fixtures with multiple bulbs are all of the same type and wattage

Straighten lamp shades

Move out exercise equipment from any room other than a gym especially
master bedrooms

Straighten area rugs

Neaten balls and cues in game rooms

Close utility panels in garage, laundry room, basement, etc.

Keep in mind that a professional photographer will be
conscious of unsightly issues and do their best to keep them off camera.
However, they are not responsible for worrying about the issues outlined on
this list. Being smart by preparing prior to real estate photography will make
your next photo shoot a snap!